Jason Rawe of the Oakdale junior varsity team attacks the rim with this layup against Pacheco. Rawe had two games of 20-plus points this past week.Leader Photos By Dennis D. Cruz

The 2017-2018 Oakdale High School varsity boys basketball season is now three preseason games deep. On Monday, Nov. 27 the boys defeated Bret Harte 55-44. Oakdale followed up with a 66-50 home win over Pacheco on Thursday night. Saturday the boys fell to visiting Escalon, 65-41. The early preseason success is a positive start to the season, considering the team’s rough recent history.

Thursday night’s home game was highlighted by a remarkable 45 point performance by junior Drew Legan. The point guard scored 27 consecutive points for the Mustangs to help propel them to victory. Oakdale fell behind 18-16 to end the first quarter, but the Mustangs took a 35-28 halftime lead thanks to Legan’s 26-point first half.

In the second half Legan continued to be the aggressor and scored the team’s first points after slashing through the lane and delivering a finger roll with three Pacheco defenders on him. By the end of the third quarter, Legan had 41 points and six rebounds. The team played tough defense in the second half only allowing 22 total points. Oakdale led 57-44 with 6:08 remaining in the game and did not slow down. Legan finished with 45 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Legan finished five of seven from beyond the arc for 15 of his 45 points. Jeff Crowley scored 10 points for Oakdale in the win and contributed on the defensive side with two steals.

“I was trying to work hard, and get open shots,” Legan said. “We all work so hard during the week. My teammates helped out a lot by making great passes and pulling down rebounds on the (other) end of the floor.”

Oakdale played host to Buhach Colony on Tuesday, Dec. 5 following The Leader’s press time. Wednesday, Dec. 6 the boys will host Summerville in non-league play. Friday, Dec. 8 the team will travel to Liberty Ranch for non-league action. Tipoff for each game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

In his first season as head coach of the junior varsity boys, Coach Kelly Power was victorious in his debut Thursday night. The team opened up the game on a 26-0 run against Pacheco in a 73-16 home win. Oakdale had three players in double digits. Jason Rawe scored a game high 21 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, Jonah Norman added 20 points in just 18 minutes played and Dom Antinetti scored 13 points. On Saturday, Oakdale’s high powered offense slowed down and fell to Escalon 43-39. Oakdale went into the half down 17-15 but were outscored 15-7 in the third quarter. Rawe scored 20 of the team’s 39 total points.

FRESHMEN

Bobby Monges is the head man in charge for the freshman boys. In his first two non-league contests, Oakdale has come up short. Against Pacheco, Oakdale kept it close until the fourth quarter in a 65-51 home loss. Zack Alosio led all scorers with 28 points. Saturday the team fell to visiting Escalon 41-34. Alosio and Izayah Perez each scored eight for Oakdale.